Peru vs Ecuador

Ecuador is set to pursue a return to winning form and edge closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup when they face Peru in the 16th round of CONMEBOL qualifiers.

Coming off a 0-0 draw against Brazil, the Tricolours will meet a Peruvian side that also settled for a goalless result in their latest match, away to Colombia.

Ecuador, unbeaten in their last eight games, are grappling with a recurring issue, having failed to score in back-to-back matches for the second time in this stretch. Despite their recent inability to convert chances, the team’s resilience has been notable. After losing a 1-0 match to Brazil in September 2024, coach Sebastian Beccacece’s squad has battled through challenges, including a three-point deduction at the start of the campaign for using an ineligible player in the 2022 qualifiers.

With seven victories, six draws, and two losses, Ecuador have climbed to second in the CONMEBOL table, sitting six points ahead of seventh-placed Venezuela with three rounds remaining. A win on Monday could clinch automatic qualification, though Ecuador face a tough challenge, having failed to win in their last three competitive visits to Peru, with two losses and a draw.

Peru, meanwhile, have historically held the advantage at home against Ecuador but struggled on the road, as evidenced by their 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture in Quito. That defeat marked part of a five-game winless streak, briefly interrupted by an upset victory over Uruguay. However, Peru’s form has been inconsistent, with a 3-1 win against Bolivia providing only temporary relief before their scoring woes resumed, with no goals in their last two matches, including a 1-0 defeat to Venezuela and a gritty 0-0 draw in Colombia.

Sitting ninth with 11 points, Peru’s hopes of reaching the intercontinental playoffs are fading, and anything short of a win on Monday could end their campaign. Despite their struggles, Peru have been formidable at home, remaining unbeaten in their last five World Cup qualifiers on their own soil, with two wins and losses only to Argentina and Brazil in their opening home fixtures.